Get him two Battery operated LED Picture Light.

source) Make sure your BBQ Master has enough light to control the flow of wickedness with the Black Mo Tools Axe by Brook & Hunter and a Power Box 360 stereo by Bosch is a dust and moisture resistant powerhouse with a rubber cage exterior. Rock the night away with a LED Headlamp for smaller, intricate ones that need direct light.

You know the kind — he has the biggest TV you’ve ever seen and has an entire room devoted to it. Upgrade the man cave with his favorite LED Fiber Optic Star Ceiling Kit.

This is the second blog post in this year’s 15 smart gift ideas for students of any age. Visit our Holiday Specials!

Are you still using incandescent light bulbs? Your electrician would recommend a different course. Efficient lighting technology has blown up in the last few years, and advanced technologies are just getting better. Light emitting diodes, or LEDs, are at the forefront of modern lighting thanks to their inexpensive and long-lasting luminescence. Some of these new diodes are leading the pack in must-have lighting features, including smart home integration that you can control with your phone. Read on to learn more about the latest in LED technology.

Upfront Costs are Dropping

One of the biggest complaints about early LEDs was the price. Almost any LED will save you money over time compared to an incandescent bulb, since they use 25 to 80 percent less electricity and can last up to 25 times as long, but many consumers balked at paying the $35 or higher retail price for a single bulb. Newer models, however, can recreate the look of that classic 60 watt incandescent bulb with fewer LED panels, meaning they are cheaper to produce and sell for $10 or less.

Options are Expanding

Other common complaints about the first LED models were that the warmth of the light wasn't quite right and they didn't work with accessories like dimmers. With today's technologies, however, you can find LEDs that give off almost any color and lighting profile, allowing you to mimic the look and feel of your old incandescent bulbs or tailor your room to fit more eclectic tastes. Not every LED is compatible with standard dimmers yet, but many are – just check the label on the box to make sure.

Make it a Smart Bulb

Many new LED models are designed specifically to work with smart technology. That means you can control them from your phone no matter where you are, set up a schedule for them to turn on and off, and even have different colors or light intensities at different times. Newer bulbs are also optimized to work with your other smart home systems to move you closer to a goal of integrated whole-house control.

Turnkey Functionality

One of the biggest advantages of upgrading to LEDs is how easy it is. There's no need to hire an electrician to set up new wiring or fixtures – the bulbs screw right into the pre-existing bases, out of the box. If you want tips on how to make the most of your new lighting options and create the room profile that fits your home, however, don't hesitate to call up your local electrician for guidance and advice.

Electrical conduits are an electrical piping system made of plastic, metal, or fiber, that are used to provide wiring or cable route to protect it. The use, form and installation details for electrical conduits are specified by the wiring regulations such as the US National Electrical Code (NEC) or other national or local code.

The location of an electrical conduit will usually determine what kind of material may be used. Since electrical conduits are used mainly in the outer wall surface in exposed locations, they are made of a material that is either flexible or rigid.

The following are the most commonly used materials:

Rigid steel The type of conduit system that is to be applied depends upon the wall thickness, mechanical stiffness and the material used to make the tubing. The material can be chosen for mechanical protection, corrosion resistance and for cutting the costs on installation charges. As far as wiring regulations for electrical equipment in hazardous areas are concerned, certain kinds of conduits need to be used depending on the regulation specifications.

The latest designer lamps and home accessories from Hinkley, Quoizel and Schonbek are beautifying springtime holidays like never before.  Bring enlightenment and renewal into your home with outstanding lamps, chandeliers, pendants and energy-efficient outdoor lighting.

Hinkley Lighting has been proud to offer its lighting products to consumers through Capitol Lighting as another family-owned and operated business that prides itself on exemplary service and quality. —Rick Wiedemer, President, Hinkley Lighting

-Quoizel designs are timeless, blending effortlessly with changing decorative schemes unaffected by passing trends, fads or style crazes.

-The Lenox Lighting line is graced with the finest silk shades perfectly shaped and proportioned to maximize lighting effects. The china is crafted to surpass the highest quality standards in the industry. Every porcelain finial is designed exclusively to match the coordinating lamp.

-Quoizel Lighting stands apart in distinction with an outstanding collection of mirrors, unique ceiling fixtures, superb outdoor lighting, stylish bath lighting, and one-of-a-kind tiffany style lamps.

-Quoizel artisans work tirelessly to ensure their Tiffany lamps are composed of individual handcrafted pieces of art glass.  Some of the Tiffany designs are reproductions of original Louis Comfort Tiffany and others are Quoizel’s unique creation. Outstanding new Tiffany style lamps employ color combinations in materials such as jade, agate stone and mica.

*Schonbek is a member of the Swarovski Company.

As a home or building owner in the DC area, no one expects you to have the same technical vocabulary as an electrical contractor. However, knowing a few basic electrical terms can help you communicate better with the electricians on your project, saving time and misunderstandings, and preventing you from getting ripped off by an unscrupulous contractor.

At Kolb Electric, we understand that you may not be familiar with some electrical terms. That’s why we take the time to answer your questions and explain in layman’s terms what your project needs and the pricing associated with each step. To hire one of our licensed electricians to work on your Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC home, call us at 877 287-1179. We’ve been helping area Mid-Atlantic home and building owners with their electrical needs since 1925.